Summer in the mountains has that unique ability to shift in an instant from a committing, mineral atmosphere to suspended moments of shared connection. Across the Écrins, the Cerces, and beyond, the past few months were filled with great ropes, successful objectives, and a few unforgettable paragliding takeoffs. Here is a look back at the highlights of a rich summer season.

May–June: Early Summer Conditions and Alpine Training

Summer arrived remarkably early this year. By May, dry conditions were already in full swing, and classic snow routes—normally climbed much later in the season—were already in prime condition.

  • Mount Pelvoux Hike & Fly: A magnificent ascent up the Coolidge Couloir with Alban and Florian, topped off with a paraglider launch into the air—a unique feeling to take flight right after the climb.

In June, the pace picked up with technical rock routes, high-peak ascents, and alpine instruction:

  • Verticality on Tête d'Aval: A steep, demanding, and beautiful line on the famous Desmaison route with Julien.

  • Transmission & Autonomy: Two alpine training courses (one with Kevin, the other with the FSGT) focused on building solid foundations for safe independent progression.

  • Écrins Classics: Reaching the summit of Barre des Écrins and completing a stunning traverse of La Meije with Joël.

  • Climbing around Clot des Vaches & La Selle: Four days of immersive climbing with Thomas, linking the Voie Davin on Aiguillette du Lauzet and the Arêtes de la Bruyère from the Clot des Vaches hut, before moving to the Selle hut to tackle Pilier Paquet on Râteau Ouest.

  • Rock Climbing from Adèle Planchard: Two days devoted to classic rock ascents above the refuge with Luc (Tour Choisy) and Sorin (Grande Ruine via the SE ridge).

July: Combining Alpinism and Flight

Mid-summer kept the momentum high, blending multi-pitch rock, soaring flights, and legendary ridge traverses.

  • Meije Orientale from Above: A memorable summit with Sorin and JB, followed by a launch directly from the Aigle refuge.

  • Olan & Cerces: An impressive line on Oiseau de Passage at Olan summit with Marin, followed by rewarding days on the granite of Tour Termier in the Cerces with Valentina.

  • Traverses & Ridges: Two successful traverses of La Meije—first with Christer, then with Pierre—and a classic traverse of Les Trifides with Antoine.

August: Deep High-Mountain Commitment

August centered on serious, high-gauge alpine routes searching for pure mountain rock.

  • Pic Gaspard: A classic, demanding route along the South-South-East ridge with Félix. A character-building line that demands complete focus and delivers high-atmosphere climbing.

September: Late-Season Light and Granite Crags

Early autumn offered quiet trails and perfect friction on the rock.

  • The Iconic Aiguille Dibona: Several rewarding days spent on this granite monolith with Benjamin and Torsten, savoring every single pitch.

  • Italian Escape at Refuge Bozano: Three days of rock climbing in the Maritime Alps with Laurent, capping off the summer in a dramatic setting.

A season exactly as we love them: dense, varied, and shared with passionate climbers seeking a summit, a skill, or simply fresh mountain air. A huge thank you to everyone who shared a rope this summer for your trust and enthusiasm up there.

Autumn is setting in, ski gear is being prepped, but the memories of this summer are here to stay. See you out there for the next adventures!